What to Know: Packers sign WR Jadakis Bonds, waive TE Nick Guggemos

The Green Bay Packers made another pair of roster moves on Tuesday, signing 2023 undrafted wide receiver Jadakis Bonds while waiving tight end Nick Guggemos to make room on the 90-man roster, which was at full capacity.

Bonds had a very productive career at Hampton University, a Division-I FCS program. At 6’4″ – 200 pounds, Bonds has that bigger frame at the receiver position that the Packers covet. He recorded a close-to-average Relative Athletic Score of 4.86, which included a 4.63-second 40-yard dash time.

In 2019, He totaled 943 receiving yards on 70 receptions. Then in 2021 (there was no 2020 season due to COVID), Bonds totaled 773 receiving yards on 54 receptions. Most recently, he averaged an impressive 17.4 yards per catch in 2022, totaling 855 yards on 49 receptions.

Bonds lined up primarily on the boundary during his college career and was targeted in all areas of the field. He was an efficient target, averaging 2.58 yards per route run, which at the FBS level, would have ranked 26th overall in 2022.

During his most recent season, according to PFF, Bonds had 16 targets 20-plus yards downfield. He had another 30 targets in the 10 to 20-yard range and 32 targets less than 10 yards from the line of scrimmage. For what it’s worth, he also graded out well as a run blocker by PFF’s metrics.

Bonds played in the All-Star East-West Shrine Game following the 2022 season, where he had two receptions for 26 yards.

For more on Bonds’ game, Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network wrote this in his pre-draft scouting report:

"“Strengths: Nice-sized receiver with terrific speed. Plays to his 40 time, makes the reception at full speed, and displays himself to be a terrific vertical receiver. Adjusts to the errant throw and reaches back, and grabs the ball from the air with his hands.“Works routes, displays good route discipline, and has a strong, stout build. Comes back to the ball out of breaks, works his hands to separate from opponents, and keeps his head on a swivel as a blocker.“Weaknesses: Unnecessarily lets the ball get inside him at times or uses his frame to cradle the reception. Gets tall exiting routes. Doesn’t extend his hands to offer the quarterback a target. Really doesn’t work hard if the play is away from him.“Overall: Bonds has the size and speed to play on Sundays and comes with a large upside. Yet, he’s an athletic receiver prospect who needs a lot of work on his overall game.“"

With Grant DuBose still sidelined, the addition of Bonds was likely made to bolster the depth in the receiver room as the Packers go through their on-field OTA practices. Most likely, Bonds’ ceiling this season is the practice squad.

Guggemos was signed to the Green Bay practice squad about halfway through last season. He has no career NFL snaps, and during his college career at then DIII St. Thomas, he had just one reception. However, during an NFL workout, it was his athleticism and speed that caught the eye of evaluators.

Although young, the Packers’ tight end room seems pretty well set with Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, Josiah Deguara, and Tyler Davis as the four who are going to be on the 53-man roster come week one.